David Elginbrod eBook

As if the likeness, however, had been dimly identified
by the unconscious part of his being, he sat in one
corner of the library sofa, with his eyes fixed on
the face of Euphra, as she sat in the other.
Presently he was made aware of his unintentional rudeness,
by seeing her turn pale as death, and sink back in
the sofa. In a moment she started up, and began
pacing about the room, rubbing her eyes and temples.
He was bewildered and alarmed.

She turned full towards him, and seemed to try to
look all right; but there was a kind of film over
the clearness of her black eyes.

“I fear you have headache.”

“A little, but it is nothing. I will go
and lie down.”

“Do, pray; else you will not be well enough
to appear at dinner.”

She retired, and Hugh joined Harry.

Euphra had another glass of claret with her uncle
that evening, in order to give her report of the morning’s
ride.

“Really, there is not much to be afraid of,
uncle. He takes very good care of Harry.
To be sure, I had occasion several times to check
him a little; but he has this good quality in addition
to a considerable aptitude for teaching, that he perceives
a hint, and takes it at once.”

Knowing her uncle’s formality, and preference
for precise and judicial modes of expression, Euphra
modelled her phrase to his mind.

“I am glad he has your good opinion so far,
Euphra; for I confess there is something about the
youth that pleases me. I was afraid at first
that I might be annoyed by his overstepping the true
boundaries of his position in my family: he seems
to have been in good society, too. But your
assurance that he can take a hint, lessens my apprehension
considerably. To-morrow, I will ask him to resume
his seat after dessert.”

This was not exactly the object of Euphra’s
qualified commendation of Hugh. But she could
not help it now.

“I think, however, if you approve, uncle, that
it will be more prudent to keep a little watch over
the riding for a while. I confess, too, I should
be glad of a little more of that exercise than I have
had for some time: I found my seat not very secure
to-day.”

“Very desirable on both considerations, my love.”

And so the conference ended.

CHAPTER VIII.

Nest-building.

If you will have a tree bear more fruit than it hath
used to do, it is not anything you can do to the boughs,
but it is the stirring of the earth, and putting new
mould about the roots, that must work it.